High voltage energy harvesting and conversion renewable energy utility size electric power systems and visual monitoring and control systems for said systems

ABSTRACT

A renewable energy, utility-size electric power system is provided with a high voltage, renewable energy harvesting network connected by a direct current link to a centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system. The harvesting network includes distributed renewable energy power optimizers and transmitters that control delivery of renewable energy to the grid synchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system by step-up voltage boost of the DC voltage from the renewable energy sources in combination with a DC-to-DC conversion where the stepped-up voltage of the renewable sources is utilized as a positive high voltage DC output across the input of an inverter used in a DC-to-DC converter to establish an equal magnitude negative high voltage DC output across a rectified output of the inverter. A visual immersion monitoring and control system can be provided for a three-dimensional, visually-oriented, virtual reality display, and command and control environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/253,629 filed Oct. 5, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/389,816, filed Oct. 5, 2010 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61,485,384, filed May 12, 2011; and alsoclaims priority to PCT International Patent Application No.PCT/US2012/37680, filed May 13, 2012, all of which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to renewable energy,utility-size electric power systems and, in particular, to high voltageenergy harvesting and conversion renewable energy collection andconversion systems, and to visual monitoring and control systems forsuch systems where a combination of DC-to-DC converters are used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The term “renewable energy electric power systems” as used herein refersto utility-size electric power systems that utilize a large number ofinterconnected photovoltaic modules to form a solar farm or power plant,or a large number of interconnected wind turbine generators that form awind farm or power plant.

Utility-size (ranging from 5 to 100 megawatt (MW_(e)) output capacity)solar photovoltaic power systems comprise a large number of solarphotovoltaic power collectors, such as solar photovoltaic modules, thatsupply DC electric power to collocated DC to AC inverters that convertthe DC power into AC electric power.

A utility-size wind power system comprises a large number ofelectrically interconnected wind turbine generators. A wind turbinedriven generator assembly can be a wind turbine with its output shaftsuitably coupled to an electric generator. Various types of generatorsystems can be coupled to a wind turbine. One such system is known as aType 4 industry designated wind turbine generator power system where thegenerator is a synchronous permanent magnet generator having a variablefrequency, variable voltage output that is supplied to a rectifier withthe rectified output DC link supplied to a DC to AC inverter. Theinverter output current is then transformed through a line transformerthat transforms the inverter output voltage level to the grid voltagelevel.

For either a solar or wind renewable energy, utility-size power system,the power system components are spread out over significantly more landthan a conventional residential or commercial size power plant thusmaking physical visualization and control of the power system achallenge beyond that of the typical one line centralized control boardsused for conventional size power plants.

The following features may be present in apparatus and methods accordingto the invention:

monitoring and control systems for a high voltage, renewable energyharvesting network in combination with a centralized grid synchronizedmultiphase regulated current source inverter system wherein therenewable energy harvesting is distributively power optimized within theharvesting network by a combination of DC-to-DC converters;

high voltage energy harvesting in combination with a centralized gridsynchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system, and avisual monitoring and control system for a utility scale renewableenergy system; and

power collection, conversion, monitoring and control systems forrenewable energy, utility-sized power systems that can include a threedimensional, visually-oriented, virtual reality display environment forcentralized input and output control and monitoring of the power systemsby the systems' operators.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the present invention is a renewable energy, utility-sizeelectric power system. The system has a high voltage, renewable energyharvesting network and a centralized grid synchronized multiphaseregulated current source inverter system. The high voltage, renewableenergy harvesting network has multiple strings of renewable energycollectors, with each of the strings having a DC output, and multiplerenewable energy power optimizers distributed throughout the harvestingnetwork. Each renewable energy power optimizer has at least one energycollector string power optimizer input connected to the DC output of atleast one of the multiple strings of renewable energy collectors. Eachof the multiple renewable energy power optimizers and transmitters has ahigh voltage DC output connected to a DC link. The plurality ofrenewable energy power optimizers and transmitters are arranged incombinations that provide a single positive high voltage DC output, anda single negative high voltage DC output to the system DC link with asingle electrical neutral connected to electrical ground of the systemDC link. Power optimization is achieved by step-up voltage boost of theDC voltage from the renewable energy sources integral with a DC-to-DCconversion where the stepped-up voltage of the renewable sources isutilized as a positive high voltage DC output across the input of aninverter used in a DC-to-DC converter to establish an equal magnitudenegative high voltage DC output across a rectified output of theinverter. Both positive and negative high voltage DC outputs areequalized and referenced to a common electrical ground so that theoutput to the system DC link is twice the absolute magnitude of eitherthe positive or negative high voltage DC output. The centralized gridsynchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system isconnected to the system DC link and has a plurality of grid inverterpackage modules that can be connected to a high voltage electrical grid.

In another aspect the present invention is a renewable energy,utility-size electric power system. The system has a high voltage,renewable energy harvesting network; a centralized grid synchronizedmultiphase regulated current source inverter system; and a virtualimmersion monitoring system and central control system for monitoringand controlling the high voltage, renewable energy harvesting networkand the centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated currentsource inverter system. The high voltage, renewable energy harvestingnetwork has a plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors, witheach of the strings having a DC output, and a plurality of renewableenergy power optimizers and transmitters. Each of the plurality ofrenewable energy power optimizers and transmitters has at least onestring power optimizer input connected to the DC output of at least oneof the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors. Theplurality of renewable energy power optimizers and transmitters arearranged in combinations that provide a single positive high voltage DCoutput, and a single negative high voltage DC output to the system DClink with a single electrical neutral connected to electrical ground ofthe system DC link. Power optimization is achieved by step-up voltageboost of the DC voltage from the renewable energy sources integral witha DC-to-DC conversion where the stepped-up voltage of the renewablesources is utilized as a positive high voltage DC output across theinput of an inverter used in a DC-to-DC converter to establish an equalmagnitude negative high voltage DC output across a rectified output ofthe inverter. Both positive and negative high voltage DC outputs areequalized and referenced to a common electrical ground so that theoutput to the system DC link is twice the absolute magnitude of eitherthe positive or negative high voltage DC output. The grid synchronizedmultiphase regulated current source inverter system is connected to theDC link and has a plurality of grid inverter package modules.

In another aspect the present invention is a method of harvesting,converting, monitoring and controlling renewable energy from a utilityscale renewable energy system. The renewable energy system includes ahigh voltage, renewable energy harvesting network. The harvestingnetwork includes a plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors,with each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors having a DCoutput. The harvesting network also includes a plurality of renewableenergy power optimizers and transmitters. Each of the plurality ofrenewable energy power optimizers and transmitters has at least onestring power optimizer input connected to the DC output of at least oneof the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors. Each of theplurality of renewable energy power optimizers and transmitters arearranged in combinations that provide a single positive high voltage DCoutput, and a single negative high voltage DC output to the system DClink with a single electrical neutral connected to electrical ground ofthe system DC link. Power optimization is achieved by step-up voltageboost of the DC voltage from the renewable energy sources integral witha DC-to-DC conversion where the stepped-up voltage of the renewablesources is utilized as a positive high voltage DC output across theinput of an inverter used in a DC-to-DC converter to establish an equalmagnitude negative high voltage DC output across a rectified output ofthe inverter. Both positive and negative high voltage DC outputs areequalized and referenced to a common electrical ground so that theoutput to the system DC link is twice the absolute magnitude of eitherthe positive or negative high voltage DC output. The renewable energysystem also includes a centralized grid synchronized multiphaseregulated current source inverter system that is connected to the systemDC link and has a plurality of grid inverter package modules. In thepresent invention, virtual immersion monitoring of the high voltage,renewable energy harvesting network is performed in a three dimensional,visually-oriented, virtual reality display environment, and the highvoltage, renewable energy harvesting network and the centralized gridsynchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system iscentrally controlled in communication with the three dimensionalvisually-oriented virtual reality display environment.

The above and other aspects of the invention are further set forth inthis specification and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a simplified one-line block diagram of one example of arenewable energy, utility-size electric power system for the collectionand conversion of solar energy, and a monitoring and control system ofthe present invention for the power system.

FIG. 2(a) is a diagram of one example of a solar power optimizer andtransmitter that can be utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 2(b) is a diagram of another example of a solar power optimizer andtransmitter that can be utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 2(c) is a diagram of another example of a solar power optimizer andtransmitter that can be utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 3(a) is a diagram of one example of a resonant DC-to-DC converterthat can be utilized in the solar power optimizer and transmitter shownin FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 3(b) is a diagram of one example of a resonant DC-to-DC converterthat can be utilized in the solar power optimizer and transmitter shownin FIG. 2(b).

FIG. 3(c) is a diagram of one example of a resonant DC-to-DC converterthat can be utilized in the solar power optimizer and transmitter shownin FIG. 2(c).

FIG. 4 illustrates the wave shape of the inverter current near resonanceof the resonant DC-to-DC converter shown in FIG. 3 (a), FIG. 3(b) andFIG. 3(c) when the photovoltaic string voltage connected to the input ofthe DC-to-DC converter is low.

FIG. 5 illustrates the wave shape of the inverter current off-resonanceof the resonant DC-to-DC converter shown in FIG. 3 (a), FIG. 3(b) andFIG. 3(c) when the photovoltaic string voltage connected to the input ofthe DC-DC converter is high.

FIG. 6 is one example of the interconnections between a solar farm'ssolar photovoltaic modules and the solar power optimizers andtransmitters utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified black and white rendition of one threedimensional visual display frame in the three dimensional,visually-oriented, virtual reality display environment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified one-line block diagram of one example of arenewable energy, utility-size electric power system for the collectionand conversion of wind energy, and a monitoring and control system ofthe present invention for the power system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified one-line block diagram of one example of arenewable energy, utility-size electric power system for the collectionand conversion of solar energy, and a monitoring and control system ofthe present invention for the power system. In this example, there is ahigh voltage, solar photovoltaic energy collection (also referred to as“harvesting”) network 12; a centralized grid synchronized multiphaseregulated current source inverter system 14; and an optional virtualimmersion monitoring and control system 16. Step-up transformer 18electrically isolates the outputs of the inverters in the grid inverterpackage (GrIP) modules 14 a-14 d from the high voltage electrical grid.

High voltage, solar photovoltaic energy harvesting networks and thecentralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated current sourceinverter systems are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,130,518.

The virtual immersion monitoring and control system comprises thevirtual immersion equipment watchdog (VIEW) module 16 a and the centralcontrol module 16 b.

One example of a solar power optimizer and transmitter (SPOT) that canbe utilized in the high voltage, solar photovoltaic energy collectionnetwork 12 in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2(a). SPOT 20 in FIG. 2(a)comprises a plurality of DC-to-DC converters 20 a (four in thisexample); processor 20 b (represented as a microprocessor (μP) in thisexample); and transceiver 20 c (represented as a radio frequency (RF)transceiver in this example with transmitting and receiving antenna 20c′).

The four DC-to-DC converters in FIG. 2(a) convert variable photovoltaic“string” voltages and currents into parallel fixed high voltages (forexample 1,250 volts DC). In this example positive (+) outputs of two ofthe converters are connected together in parallel and negative outputs(−) of the other two converters are connected together in parallel asshown in FIG. 2(a). The remaining four outputs of the four convertersare connected commonly together as shown in FIG. 2(a) to form a common(neutral) circuit. The converters' paralleled positive and negativeoutputs are connected (clamped) in series to a system DC link(identified as DC link bus 22 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(a)) at a high DCvoltage (for example, 2.5 kV DC) that is double the output voltage (forexample, 1.25 kV DC) of each DC-to-DC converter. Reference is made backto one-line diagram FIG. 1 where a plurality of solar power optimizersand transmitters (as shown in FIG. 2(a)) may be connected to a pluralityof solar photovoltaic modules 30. Therefore the combination of the fourDC-to-DC converters in FIG. 2(a) can be described as a first pair ofconverters on the right side of the figure and a second pair ofconverters on the left side of the figure where the positive outputconnections of the first pair of converters form a single positive highvoltage DC output; the negative output connections of the second pair ofconverters form a single negative high voltage DC output; and thenegative output connections of the first pair of converters togetherwith the positive output connections of the second pair of convertersform a single neutral connection to the common of the system DC link. Inother examples of the invention, any even number of DC-to-DC converterscan be arranged with outputs interconnected to achieve the singlepositive high voltage DC output and single negative high voltage DCoutput with a single neutral connection to the system DC link similar tothat described for the four DC-to-DC converter example.

FIG. 3(a) is one schematic example of a DC-to-DC converter that can beutilized in the solar power optimizer and transmitter 20 shown in FIG.2(a). Each DC-to-DC converter consists of two sections: a seriesresonant full bridge inverter 20 a′ (shown with semiconductor switchingdevices Q1 through Q4 in this example) and a combination output filterand single rectifier section 20 a″. These are isolated from one anothervia a high frequency (in the range of 50 kHz to 100 kHz) transformer Tx.Power drawn from the input photovoltaic string source at terminals 1 and2 varies with the operating frequency of the inverter. The input current(Idc) and voltage (E) are measured by processor 20 b in FIG. 2(a) whichprocessor adjusts the operating frequency of the inverter so that theDC-to-DC converter operates at the maximum power point value. Theoperating frequency of the converter's input inverter is varied nearresonance, which is defined by the values of inductor Ltank andcapacitor Ctank in FIG. 3(a) forming a series resonance loop. As thefrequency approaches the resonance point, the inverter draws morecurrent from the input photovoltaic string causing the photovoltaicstring voltage to drop. As further described below, one of the functionsof processor 20 b is to maintain the mathematical product of thephotovoltaic string voltage and current at the maximum power pointvalue. FIG. 4 illustrates the inverter output current near resonancewhen the input photovoltaic string voltage can be low and FIG. 5illustrates the inverter current off-resonance when the photovoltaicstring voltage can be high.

Processor 20 b may be a microprocessor in communication with I/O devicesthat sense the string voltage and current at the input to each DC-to-DCconverter 20 a. The processor monitors the string voltage and current atthe input of each converter, and controls operation of each converter toharvest maximum power from each solar photovoltaic module string byexecuting computer code for a maximum power point tracking (MPPT)algorithm. For example, the algorithm may include “disturb and observe”subroutines by which the operating frequency of the DC-to-DC converteris varied by a small amount and the MPPT algorithm determines whetherthe harvested power increased or decreased with the frequencyperturbation.

Transceiver 20 c transmits power system data to the virtual immersionmonitoring and control system if used in a particular example of theinvention. The power system data can include: string voltage magnitudes;string current magnitudes; string power magnitudes; SPOT output currentmagnitudes; SPOT operating temperatures; and SPOT operational statusdata, such as whether the SPOT is operating at full maximum input powerfrom all of the input photovoltaic strings, or limited maximum inputpower from at least some of the input photovoltaic strings. Transceiver20 c receives power system data that can include power system limitcommand data and power system ON or OFF status or control. Power systemON or OFF status can be determined, for example, by sensing whether aparticular DC-to-DC converter is in an operational oscillation state(power system ON). Remote power system ON or OFF command (from thecentral control module) can be used to facilitate maintenance of a SPOT.One method of transceiver 20 c transmitting and receiving is via a meshradio system.

FIG. 2(b) illustrates an alternative solar power optimizer andtransmitter (SPOT) utilized in some examples of high voltage, solarphotovoltaic energy collection network 12 in FIG. 1. SPOT 25 in FIG.2(b) comprises a plurality of double rectifier DC-to-DC converters 25 a(four in this example); processor 20 b (represented as a microprocessor(μP) in this example); and transceiver 20 c (represented as a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver in this example with transmitting andreceiving antenna 20 c′).

The four double rectifier DC-to-DC converters in FIG. 2(b) convertvariable photovoltaic “string” voltages and currents into parallel fixedhigh voltages (for example 1,250 volts DC). In this example fourpositive (+) outputs of the converters are connected together inparallel to form a connection to the positive DC link and four negativeoutputs (−) of the converters are connected together in parallel to forma connection to the negative DC link as shown in FIG. 2(b). Theremaining eight outputs of the four converters are connected commonlytogether as shown in FIG. 2(b) to form a common connection to electricalneutral (COMMON). The converters' paralleled positive and negativeoutputs are connected (clamped) in parallel to a DC link (identified asDC link bus 22 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(b)) at a high DC voltage (forexample, 2.5 kV DC) that is double the output voltage (for example, 1.25kV DC) of each DC-to-DC converter. Reference is made back to one-linediagram FIG. 1 where a plurality of solar power optimizers andtransmitters (as shown in FIG. 2(b)) may be connected to a plurality ofsolar photovoltaic modules 30. Therefore the combination of the fourDC-to-DC converters in FIG. 2(b) can be described as a combination offour DC-to-DC converters with each of the converters having a pair ofrectifiers that are designated as a positive rectifier (REC2) and anegative rectifier (REC1). The positive outputs of all of the positiverectifiers are connected together to form a single positive high voltageDC output; the negative outputs of all of the negative rectifiers areconnected together to form a single negative high voltage DC output; andthe negative connections of the positive rectifiers are connectedtogether with the positive connections of the negative rectifiers toform a single neutral connection to the common of the system DC link. Inother examples of the invention, any even number of DC-to-DC converterscan be arranged with outputs interconnected to achieve the singlepositive high voltage DC output and single negative high voltage DCoutput with a single neutral connection to the system DC link similar tothat described for the four DC-to-DC converter example.

FIG. 3(b) is one schematic example of a double rectifier DC-to-DCconverter that can be utilized in the solar power optimizer andtransmitter 25 shown in FIG. 2(b). Each DC-to-DC converter consists oftwo sections: a series resonant full bridge inverter 25 a′ and acombination two output (double or paired) rectifier and filter sections25 a″. These are isolated from one another via a high frequency (in therange of 50 kHz to 100 kHz) transformer Tx. Power drawn from the inputphotovoltaic string source at terminals 1 and 2 varies with theoperating frequency of the inverter. The input current (Idc) and voltage(E) are measured by processor 20 b in FIG. 2(b) which processor adjuststhe operating frequency of the inverter so that the DC-to-DC converteroperates at the maximum power point value. The operating frequency ofthe converter's input inverter is varied near resonance, which isdefined by the values of inductor Ltank and capacitor Ctank in FIG. 3(b)forming a series resonance loop. As the frequency approaches theresonance point, the inverter draws more current from the inputphotovoltaic string causing the photovoltaic string voltage to drop. Asfurther described below, one of the functions of processor 20 b is tomaintain the mathematical product of the photovoltaic string voltage andcurrent at the maximum power point value. FIG. 4 illustrates theinverter output current near resonance when the input photovoltaicstring voltage can be low and FIG. 5 illustrates the inverter currentoff-resonance when the photovoltaic string voltage can be high.

FIG. 2(c) illustrates an alternative solar power optimizer andtransmitter (SPOT) utilized in some examples of high voltage, solarphotovoltaic energy collection network 12 in FIG. 1. Each SPOT 27 inFIG. 2(c) comprises the combination of a step-up voltage regulator(STEP-UP VOLT) and a rectifier DC-to-DC (DC/DC) converter, which isreferred to as an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter (SU-DDC). In theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter, the step-up voltage regular booststhe positive (+) voltage output at the SU-DDC positive output terminalto a stepped-up positive output voltage (maximum of +1.25 kV DC in thisexample). The rectifier DC-to-DC converter converts this stepped-uppositive output voltage into an equal value negative voltage (maximum of−1.25 kV DC in this example) and applies it to the SU-DDC negative (−)output terminal. Similar to SPOT 25 in FIG. 2(b) and SPOT 20 in FIG.2(a), SPOT 27 also includes processor 20 b (represented as amicroprocessor (μP) in this example); and transceiver 20 c (representedas a radio frequency (RF) transceiver in this example with transmittingand receiving antenna 20 c′).

The four combination integral step-up DC-to-DC converters in FIG. 2(c)convert variable photovoltaic “string” voltage and current sources intoparallel fixed high voltage sources (for example 1.25 kV DC). In thisexample the four positive (+) outputs of each of the four integralstep-up DC-to-DC converters are connected together in parallel to form aconnection to the positive system DC link and the four negative outputs(−) of each one of the four integral step-up DC-to-DC converters areconnected together in parallel to form a connection to the negativesystem DC link as shown in FIG. 2(c). The remaining four outputs of eachof the four integral step-up DC-to-DC converters are connected commonlytogether as shown in FIG. 2(c) to form a common neutral connection tothe common of the system DC link. The converters' paralleled positiveand negative outputs are connected (clamped) in parallel to a system DClink (identified as DC link bus 22 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(c)) at a high DCvoltage level that is double either the positive or negative outputvoltage level (maximum of plus or minus 1.25 kV respectively in thisexample) of each SU-DDC, namely a double nominal voltage of 2.5 kV DC inthis example. Reference is made back to one-line diagram FIG. 1 where aplurality of solar power optimizers and transmitters (as shown in FIG.2(c)) may be connected to a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules 30.Therefore the combination of the four integral step-up DC-to-DCconverters in FIG. 2(c) can be described as a combination of fourintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters with each of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converters having a DC-to-DC converter rectified negativeoutput referenced to an electrical ground connection (zero voltagereference level), and a positive output referenced to the electricalground connection. The positive outputs of all of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converters are connected together in parallel to form a singlepositive high voltage DC output; the negative outputs of all of theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters are connected together in parallelto form a single positive high voltage DC output; and the electricalground connections of all the integral step-up DC-to-DC converters areconnected together in parallel to form a single neutral connection tothe common of the system DC link.

In other examples of the invention, one or more of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converters can be utilized as a single power optimizer. For anymultiple arrangements of integral step-up DC-to-DC converters used as asingle power optimizer outputs of the multiple integral step-up DC-to-DCconverters are interconnected to achieve the single positive highvoltage DC output and single negative high voltage DC output with asingle neutral connection to the system DC link similar to thatdescribed for the four integral step-up DC-to-DC converter example of apower optimizer.

FIG. 3(c) is one schematic example of an integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter 27 a that can be utilized in the solar power optimizer andtransmitter 27 shown in FIG. 2(c). Each integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter comprises: step-up voltage section 27 a; series resonant fullbridge inverter section 27 b′ (shown with semiconductor inverterswitching devices Q₁ through Q₄ in this example); and rectifier andfilter section 27 c′.

Power drawn from the input photovoltaic string source at input terminals1 and 2 of the SU-DDC in FIG. 3(c) varies with the operating frequencyand duty cycle of step-up regulator 27 a′. The step-up voltage regulatorin this example comprises inductor L₁, power transistor Q₅ diode D₅ andpositive output capacitor C₁. Also provided is shunt diode D₀ whichallows current flow in inductor L₁ if current is suddenly interrupted.When transistor Q₅, which functions as a stored energy transfer device,is conducting (turned on) electric energy is stored in inductor L₁. Whentransistor Q₅ is not conducting (turned off), the electric energy storedin inductor L₁ is transferred to positive output capacitor C₁ that isconnected between SU-DDC positive output terminal 3 (+Vout) andelectrical ground (GND) output. The output voltage +Vout (relative toelectrical ground) is increasing from an input voltage (E) that is inthe range of approximately 500 to 800 volts DC to a high voltage (forexample 1.25 kV DC) depending upon the duty cycle (D) of conduction oftransistor Q₅. The same positive output voltage (+Vout) is appliedacross DC input terminals 5-6 and 7-8 of the step-up DC-to-DCconverter's inverter. The input current (Idc) and voltage (E) aremeasured by processor 20 b in FIG. 2(c), which processor adjusts theduty cycle (that is, the ratio of Q₅ time-on to time off) of the step-upvoltage regulator so that the maximum power is harvested from each solarphotovoltaic module string. The function of disconnect DS is tointerrupt the flow of current in the event that the SU-DDC is removedfrom the system, for example, for maintenance of the SU-DDC.

The combination rectifier and filter section 27 c′ is isolated from theinverter full bridge resonant inverter section 27 b′ of the DC-to-DCconverter by a high frequency (in the range of 50 kHz to 100 kHz)transformer Tx. Positive and negative output terminals R1 and R2 ofrectifier bridge REC3 (formed from diodes D6-D9) are connectedrespectively between electrical ground (neutral) and negative outputterminal 4 (−Vout) via inductive (shown as inductor L_(f(out))) andcapacitive (shown as capacitor C_(f(out))) filter elements. The resonantinverter and rectifier and filter sections may be referred to incombination as a resonant inverter rectified output.

The output currents and voltages on the SU-DDC output terminals(positive terminal 3 (+Vout) and negative terminal 4 (−Vout)) arecontrolled by the microprocessor 20 b through variation of the dutycycle D of the transistor Q₅ in the step-up voltage regulator 27 a′ andfrequency of the series resonant full bridge inverter section 27 b′. Theoperating frequency of the resonant inverter used in the DC-to-DCconverter is varied near resonance, to adjust the output power magnitudeat negative output terminal 4 and equalize it to the power magnitude atpositive output terminal 3. In summary, microprocessor 20 b in thisembodiment of the invention controls both the step-up voltage regulatorand the DC-to-DC converter. The duty cycle of the step-up voltageregulator is adjusted to operate the photovoltaic string at the maximumpower point. The frequency of the resonant inverter used in the DC-to-DCconverter is adjusted to equalize the output power magnitude at positive(3) and negative (4) output terminals of the SU-DDC. FIG. 4 illustratesthe inverter output current near resonance when the input photovoltaicstring voltage can be low and FIG. 5 illustrates the inverter currentoff-resonance when the photovoltaic string voltage can be high.

Summarizing the above when one integral step-up DC-to-DC converter isused as a single power optimizer, the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter has a power optimizer input connected to the DC output ofstrings of renewable energy collectors with a means to boost the voltageof the DC output of the strings of renewable energy collectors to anintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC outputreferenced to an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potentialoutput. In the above example the means to boost the voltage of the DCoutput is a step-up voltage regulator. The integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter also has a rectified output resonant inverter to generate anintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter negative high voltage DC outputreferenced to the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potentialoutput that is equal in negative magnitude to the positive magnitude ofthe integral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC outputwith reference to the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter groundpotential output. The integral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive highvoltage DC output of the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter isconnected to the positive system DC link; the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter negative high voltage DC output of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converter is connected to the negative system DC link; and theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potential output is connectedto the common system DC link. A system processor, among other functions,senses and monitors the voltage and current at the string poweroptimizer input of the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter; provides ameans, either directly or indirectly, for controlling the means to boostthe voltage of the DC output of the strings of renewable energyconnectors in order to operate the plurality of strings of renewableenergy collectors at a required operating point such as the maximumpower point; and provides a means, either directly or indirectly, forcontrolling the rectified output resonant inverter of each one of the atleast one integral setup-up DC-to-DC converters to adjust the magnitudeof an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter output power at the integralstep-up DC-to-DC converter positive and negative high voltage DCoutputs. The strings of renewable energy collectors connected to thepower optimizer input may be a plurality of solar photovoltaic modulesor at least one wind turbine driven AC generator having a rectified dcoutput as described elsewhere herein.

Control of the DC-to-DC converters utilized in FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b),FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b) may be performed by an inverter controller byvarying the commutation frequency of the switching devices utilized inthe inverter section of the DC-to-DC converters (which aresemiconductors Q1 through Q4 in the present example).

In FIG. 2(c) and FIG. 3(c) microprocessor 20 b controls both the step-upvoltage regulator and the DC-to-DC converter of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converter. The frequency and duty cycle of the step-upregulator is adjusted to harvest maximum photovoltaic power from aphotovoltaic string. The frequency of the resonant DC-to-DC converter isadjusted (magnitude equalization frequency) to equalize the output powermagnitude at the positive and negative output terminals of the SU-DDC.

Alternatively control of the DC-to-DC converters may be performed by aninverter controller by varying the duration of conduction of theswitching devices (Q₁-Q₄ in the above example) utilized in the invertersection of the DC-to-DC converters (magnitude equalization duration ofconduction) during each period while maintaining fixed near resonantfrequency.

Alternatively control of the DC to DC converters may be performed by acombination of varying the commutation frequency of the inverterswitching devices and varying the duration of conduction of the inverterswitching devices. That is, converter control may be performed byvarying the frequency of commutation of the inverter switching devicesin a first range and by varying the duration of conduction of theinverter switching devices during each period while maintaining fixedcommutation frequency in a second range. The variable frequency rangearound the resonance frequency, while fixed frequency and variableduration of conduction time of the inverter switching devices is in therange away from resonance.

In an example of the invention utilizing the solar power optimizer andtransmitter shown in FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 2(c), eachphotovoltaic string 31 can comprise between twenty and twenty-fivephotovoltaic modules. Output of each string is typically 0.5 to 8amperes DC (at 400 to 780 volts DC) depending on the solar energy systemparameters such as solar irradiation, shading, temperature, orenvironmental deterioration. A cluster of four solar photovoltaic modulestrings can be connected to a single SPOT as shown in FIG. 2(a), FIG.2(b) and FIG. 2(c) to produce approximately 800 to 25,000 watts for eachSPOT with a four string input.

One example of interconnecting a renewable energy utility-size electricpower system utilizing solar power optimizers and transmitters of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. A maximum number of solarpower optimizers and transmitters, for example twenty, can share eachSPOT “horizontal” bus 21 a, 21 b, 21 c . . . 21 x, shown in FIG. 6. Forexample SPOT horizontal bus 21 a has twenty solar power optimizers andtransmitters 21 a ₁ through 21 a ₂₀ connected to the bus. Theseinterconnected twenty solar power optimizers and transmitters, and thephotovoltaic modules connected to these twenty solar power optimizersand transmitters comprise photovoltaic energy harvesting array 21 thatrepresents one section of the high voltage, photovoltaic energycollection network 12 diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1 and canproduce a maximum of 500 kW from solar radiation. Photovoltaic energyharvesting array 21 may comprise four (photovoltaic) strings ofphotovoltaic modules connected to each of the twenty solar poweroptimizers and transmitters in array 21, with each photovoltaic stringconsisting of around 20 to 25 photovoltaic modules connected in series.The combination of the four photovoltaic strings of photovoltaic modulescan be identified as a photovoltaic “cluster” consisting of around 80 to100 modules, so that with 20 solar power optimizers and transmitters inarray 21, a total of 1,600 to 2,000 photovoltaic modules are connectedto SPOT horizontal bus 21 a. Each of the other photovoltaic energyharvesting arrays that include SPOT horizontal buses 21 b . . . 21 x(where “x” is a variable representing the last bus and array comprisingphotovoltaic collection network 23), can also produce a maximum of 500kW from solar radiation; photovoltaic strings connected to the solarpower optimizes and transmitters in these other arrays are not shown inFIG. 6. Each SPOT horizontal bus is respectively connected to a SPOT“vertical” bus (26 a, 26 b, 26 c, . . . 26 x in FIG. 6) to the gridinverter package modules (14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d) in the centralizedgrid synchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system14. This practical arrangement will limit the size of the conductorsforming each of the SPOT vertical buses to a maximum current capacity of200 amperes DC, based on a maximum of 10 amperes DC supplied by thearray of photovoltaic modules connected to each one of the solar poweroptimizers and transmitters.

Central control module 16 b in FIG. 1 comprises circuitry forcommunicating among the plurality of solar power optimizers andtransmitters, the inverter modules in the centralized grid synchronizedmultiphase regulated current source inverter system, and fortransmitting and receiving power system data such as: collecting datatransmitted from each SPOT; communicating with grid inverter packagemodules 14 a-14 d, preferably by a secure data link 17 (shown in dashedlines in FIG. 1), such as secure Ethernet; communicating with the threedimensional, visually-oriented, virtual reality display environment ifused in a particular example of the present invention, for example via aVIEW computer system; monitoring the high voltage (HV) electrical gridvoltage injected by the centralized inverter system into the grid; andmonitoring the voltage on the DC link 22 between the harvesting 12 andconversion 14 systems; controlling a set DC input current magnitudedelivered to each grid inverter package module where the set DC inputcurrent magnitude is set to match the supply of electrical currentproduced by harvesting 12 system with the demand by the conversion 14system; and control the phase of the AC current injected into the gridrelative to the phase of the AC grid voltage.

In one example of the invention, energy conversion system 14 comprises aplurality of grid inverter package modules. While four grid inverterpackage modules 14 a-14 d are shown for the system example in FIG. 1 andFIG. 6, typically the total of grid inverter package modules ranges fromthree to forty in other system examples of invention. A grid inverterpackage module contains circuitry for: converting the grid inverterpackage rated power (2,500 kW for the example in FIG. 1) from DC to AC;transmitting (reporting) grid inverter package operating parameters tothe central control module and the three dimensional, visually-orienteddisplay environment (for example, the VIEW computer); and receivingoperating parameters from the central control module, such as the set DCinput current magnitude set point and the grid inverter package's outputphase angle as described in the previous paragraph. The transmittedoperating parameters can include: DC input current to the grid inverterpackage module; AC output phase currents from a grid inverter packagemodule; AC output phase voltages from the grid inverter package module;AC output power from the grid inverter package module; output frequencyfrom the grid inverter package module; temperature of coolant (if used)in a grid inverter package module cooling subsystem; and selected gridinverter package circuit component temperatures.

In one example of the present invention, the virtual immersionmonitoring system is a three dimensional, visually-oriented, virtualreality display environment comprising a VIEW computer system that:collects harvesting system information; presents the collectedharvesting information using three dimensional virtual reality asfurther described below; and forecasts electric power output forinjection into the grid on the basis of available string irradiation fora solar energy renewable power system.

A key element of the virtual immersion monitoring system of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 7, which is a simplified black andwhite illustration of a three dimensional image of a partial display ofa high voltage, solar photovoltaic energy collection network on a VIEWcomputer visual display unit. In this illustration photovoltaic modules30 making up a photovoltaic string are visualized relative to theinstalled dynamic external environment, including for example, dynamicreal time cloud shading of components. Relative location of SPOT 20, 25or 27 is shown, along with conductors 91 from the photovoltaic stringsconnected to the inputs of SPOT 20, 25 or 27 and the DC link 22 to whichthe outputs of SPOT 20, 25 or 27 are connected. Each SPOT can beenclosed in an enclosure approximately 12×12×6 inches with fourconnections for photovoltaic string input at the top of the enclosure asshown in FIG. 7, and three pass through (except for a SPOT at the end ofa SPOT horizontal bus) input and output conductors (positive, negativeand neutral (common) as illustrated in FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 2(c)either on the sides of the SPOT enclosure, or the bottom of the SPOTenclosure as illustrated in FIG. 7. Each photovoltaic cluster ofphotovoltaic modules can be mounted on one structural supporting rackthat can also serve as mounting structure (either underneath or on theside of the rack) for the solar power optimizers and transmittersassociated with the photovoltaic cluster. All of the color codingelements; cloud visualizations; and other display elements of the visualimmersion monitoring system disclosed below are accomplished in thethree dimensional image of the power system provided on a VIEW computervisual display unit as an element of the three dimensional,visually-oriented, virtual reality display environment.

For solar power two typical examples of the virtual immersion monitoringand control systems of the present invention are provided. One exampleuses fixed-tilt tracking photovoltaic arrays and the other usesdual-axis tracking photovoltaic arrays as illustrated by pedestal 32 inFIG. 1. An accurate three-dimensional depiction of the solar farm siteis incorporated into the VIEW computer displayed model. The operator'sview of the VIEW computer displayed model can be provided on a suitablecomputer visual output device, such as a video monitor, from a virtualcamera view that is moving unconstrained through three dimensionalspace. The operator has control over movement of the camera throughthree-dimensional space via a suitable computer input device, such as ahandheld controller, joystick or trackball. Movement can be throughoutthe photovoltaic arrays and can be optionally provided in apredetermined three dimensional space track of the individual componentsof the solar farm.

The power output of each individual photovoltaic string in the solarfarm can be visualized on the VIEW computer visual display unit. Each ofphotovoltaic strings can be referenced by the SPOT controlling thestrings with the SPOT communicating performance data of its associatedstrings with the central control module. A morning-through-eveningdaylight transition of the sun over the solar farm can provide varyinginsolation levels for the photovoltaic modules and will affect thedirection in which a dual-axis tracker (if used) will face which isalways perpendicular to insolation. In one example of the virtualimmersion monitoring system of the present, the magnitudes of power,current and voltage values are represented by a suitable range of colorintensities for the images of power system components on the VIEWcomputer visual display unit, such as photovoltaic modules, solar poweroptimizers and transmitters, interconnecting electrical conductors,switching components associated with the grid inverter package modules,with the color intensities being a function of the magnitude of power,current and voltage associated with the power system component.

In one example of the invention, color coding of the nominal output of aphotovoltaic string of modules is accomplished in shades of a continuouscolor spectrum that can range from a bright shade of blue for stringsoperating at full power to darker shades of blue for less than fullpower, and finally, to black for functional strings generating zeropower. The color transition can be linearly related to the nominal poweroutput. Any strings not generating power due to equipment failure can bevisually displayed in red to differentiate them from normal stringsgenerating zero power. Power system electrical conductors can bedisplayed in shades of green to represent the magnitude of currentflowing through them with a bright green representing higher currentlevels and a darker green representing lower current levels. Conductorsexperiencing a malfunction or fault condition can be shown in red.Enclosures for each SPOT can be displayed in shades of yellow, withhigher current levels represented in bright yellow and lower currentlevels represented in darker yellow. SPOT enclosures with a malfunctionor fault condition can be shown in red. Inverter, transformer, gridswitchgear and other components can be visually presented in naturalcolors. An active meter graphic icon can be positioned in a suitableposition of the visual display (for example, in the corner of the visualdisplay) with display of real time total electric power generation insuitable units, such as kilowatts. An operator controllable visualdisplay pointing icon can be used by the operator to visually display inthe meter graphic icon detailed information of the power output andenergy generated by a system component along with a unique identifier,such as a number for the component.

In the virtual immersion monitoring system the image of a cloud can bereconstructed from the shadow it produces on the surface of thephotovoltaic panels. The shadow is detected by variable reduction ofphotovoltaic electric power harvested from a section of the solar farm.

The system can include execution of a prediction algorithm that visuallydisplays the power output of the system at near time in the future (forexample, 10 minutes from present in real time) based on cloud movementparameters (cloud direction and velocity) over the site.

In one example model of the invention, visualization can be achievedwith dedicated visual layers on the VIEW computer visual display unit sothat equipment can be activated (for example, photovoltaic modules madetransparent) and the various stages of the power system can behighlighted by turning selected display layers on or off.

FIG. 8 is a simplified one-line block diagram of one example of arenewable energy, utility-size electric power system for the collectionand conversion of wind energy, and a monitoring and control system ofthe present invention for the power system. The variable frequency ACpower produced by a permanent magnet synchronous generator (SG) 50 isrectified by AC-to-DC converter 51 and then applied to the input of awind power optimizer and transmitter (WPOT) 40. A wind power optimizerand transmitter applies an optimal load to the synchronous generator foroperating the wind turbine at the maximum power point value. Wind poweroptimizer and transmitter 40 is similar to a sun power optimizer andtransmitter as described above, except that it typically, but notexclusively, utilizes a single DC-to-DC converter (as shown, for examplein FIG. 3(a) or FIG. 3(b)) instead of four DC-to-DC converters (as shownin FIG. 2(a) or FIG. 2(b)) (or other even number of DC-to-DCconverters); or utilizes a single integral step-up DC-to-DC converter(as shown, for example in FIG. 3(c)) instead of four integral step-upDC-to-DC converters (as shown in FIG. 2(c)); for a solar power optimizerand transmitter. The output of one or more wind power optimizers andtransducers are connected via a high voltage DC link 42 to a centralizedgrid synchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system 14where the system utilizes three or more grid inverter package modules,for example, four such modules 14 a-14 d as shown in FIG. 8.

The virtual immersion monitoring system, if used in a particular exampleof the invention, communicates with one or more wind power optimizersand transducers and grid inverter package modules to visually depictoperation of the wind farm on a VIEW computer display unit. The threedimensional, visually-oriented display environment includes a threedimensional terrain layer of the wind farm. A generic wind turbinegraphic can be used. Depending on the number of turbines, an appropriatenumber of grid inverter packages will be selected, with each turbinehaving an output of approximately 1.5 MW, and each grid inverter packagehaving a power rating of 2.5 megawatt (MW). The visualization of thevirtual immersion monitoring system can be aligned so that the gridinverter packages are in the foreground, and the turbines andconnections to the inverter system are clearly visible. Transformers canbe located next to the inverters outside of a building in which theinverters are located. The visualization of a wind turbine's output canbe a power meter graphic icon with at least real time power output andoptionally historical data in numeric or graphic form layered on thethree dimensional, visually-oriented display environment.

Elements of the virtual immersion system described above for solarenergy systems also apply to a virtual immersion system for wind energysystem unless the element is specifically addressed to a component orfunction uniquely associated with solar energy and not wind energy.

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred examplesand embodiments. Equivalents, alternatives and modifications, aside fromthose expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A renewable energy, utility-size electricpower system comprising: a high voltage, renewable energy harvestingnetwork comprising: a plurality of strings of renewable energycollectors, each of the plurality of strings of renewable energycollectors having a DC output; at least one integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter, one or more of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DCconverters comprising one of a plurality of renewable energy poweroptimizers and transmitters, each of the at least one integral step-upDC-to-DC converters comprising: at least one string power optimizerinput connected to the DC output of at least one of the plurality ofstrings of renewable energy collectors, the at least one string poweroptimizer input having a means to boost a DC output voltage of the DCoutput of the at least one of the plurality of strings of renewableenergy collectors to an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter positivehigh voltage DC output having a positive high voltage DC magnitude, theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC outputreferenced to an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potentialoutput; and a rectified output resonant inverter to generate an integralstep-up DC-to-DC converter negative high voltage DC output referenced tothe integral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potential output, theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter negative high voltage DC outputhaving a negative high voltage DC magnitude equal in negative magnitudeto the positive high voltage DC magnitude of the integral step-upDC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC output referenced to theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potential output; a system DClink comprising a positive, negative and common system DC links, theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC output ofeach of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters connectedto the positive system DC link of the system DC link, the integralstep-up DC-to-DC converter negative high voltage DC output of each ofthe at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters connected to thenegative system DC link of the system DC link; and the integral step-upDC-to-DC converter ground potential output of each of the at least oneintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters connected to the common system DClink of the system DC link; a processor sensing and monitoring a poweroptimizer input voltage and a power optimizer input current at the atleast one string power optimizer input of each of the at least oneintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters, the processor providing a means ofcontrolling the boost DC output voltage of the DC output of the at leastone of the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors, theprocessor providing a means for controlling the rectified outputresonant inverter of each one of the at least one integral step-upDC-to-DC converters; and a centralized grid synchronized multiphaseregulated current source inverter system having a plurality of gridinverter package modules, each of the grid inverter package moduleshaving an input connected to the system DC link.
 2. The renewableenergy, utility-size electric power system of claim 1 wherein the meansfor controlling the rectified output resonant inverter comprises arectified output resonant inverter controller to select a magnitudeequalization commutation frequency to control the switching of each oneof a plurality of inverter switching devices in the rectified outputresonant inverter of each of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DCconverters responsive to the magnitude equalization commutationfrequency whereby the positive high voltage DC magnitude and thenegative high voltage DC magnitude of an integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter output power at the integral step-up DC-to-DC converterpositive and negative high voltage DC outputs are equalized.
 3. Therenewable energy, utility-size electric power system of claim 1 whereinthe means for controlling the rectified output resonant invertercomprises a rectified output resonant inverter controller to select acombination of a magnitude equalization commutation frequency and amagnitude equalization duration of conduction of a plurality of inverterswitching devices in the rectified output resonant inverter of each ofthe at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters responsive to themagnitude equalization commutation frequency and magnitude equalizationduration of conduction whereby the positive high voltage DC magnitudeand the negative high voltage DC magnitude of an integral step-upDC-to-DC converter output power at the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter positive and negative high voltage DC outputs are equalized.4. The renewable energy, utility-size electric power system of claim 1wherein the means to boost the DC output voltage of the DC output of theat least one of the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectorscomprises a step-up voltage regulator, and the means for controlling therectified output resonant inverter of each one of the at least oneintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters comprises a rectified outputresonant inverter controller to select a magnitude equalizationcommutation frequency to control the switching of each one of aplurality of inverter switching devices in the rectified output resonantinverter of each of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DCconverters responsive to the magnitude equalization commutationfrequency whereby the positive high voltage DC magnitude and thenegative high voltage DC magnitude of an integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter output power at the integral step-up DC-to-DC converterpositive and negative high voltage DC outputs are equalized.
 5. Therenewable energy, utility-size electric power system of claim 1 whereinthe means to boost the DC output voltage of the DC output of the atleast one of the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectorscomprises a voltage regulator controller to control a duty cycle of anenergy storage transfer switching device in the voltage regulator ofeach of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters to operatethe plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors at a maximumpower point.
 6. The renewable energy, utility-size electric power systemof claim 1 wherein each one of the plurality of strings of renewableenergy collectors comprises a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules.7. The renewable energy, utility-size electric power system of claim 6wherein the at least one integral step up DC-to-DC converter comprises acombination of four integral step-up DC-to-DC converters; and atransceiver, the transceiver connected to an antenna for transmittingand receiving of a plurality of high voltage, renewable energyharvesting network data and a plurality of centralized grid synchronizedmultiphase regulated current source inverter system data.
 8. Therenewable energy, utility-size electric power system of claim 1 furthercomprising a central control system, the central control systemcomprising: a means for communicating among the plurality of renewableenergy power optimizers and transmitters and the plurality of gridinverter package modules; and a means for transmitting and receiving aplurality of high voltage, renewable energy harvesting network data anda plurality of centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulatedcurrent source inverter system data.
 9. The renewable energy,utility-size electric power system of claim 1 further comprising: avirtual immersion monitoring system and a central control system formonitoring and controlling the high voltage, renewable energy harvestingnetwork and the centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulatedcurrent source inverter system.
 10. The renewable energy, utility sizeelectric power system of claim 9 wherein the virtual immersionmonitoring system comprises a virtual immersion equipment watchdogcomputer system for collecting a plurality of high voltage, renewableenergy harvesting network data and a plurality of centralized gridsynchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system data;visual displaying of the plurality of high voltage, renewable energyharvesting network data and the plurality of centralized gridsynchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system data ina three dimensional, visually-oriented virtual reality displayenvironment; and forecasting an electric power output from the highvoltage, renewable energy harvesting network for injection into a highvoltage electrical grid based on available irradiation of the pluralityof strings of renewable energy collectors.
 11. The renewable energy,utility-size electric power system of claim 1 wherein each one of theplurality of strings of renewable energy collectors comprises aplurality of wind turbine driven AC generators having a rectified dcoutput and the processor controlling each of the at least one integralstep-up DC-to-DC converters to a maximum power point.
 12. A method ofoptimizing a harvesting, converting, monitoring and controllingrenewable energy from an utility-size renewable energy systemcomprising: harvesting renewable energy from a plurality of strings ofrenewable energy collectors, each of the plurality of renewable energycollectors having a DC output; step-up voltage regulating the DC outputof each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors to generate apositive high voltage DC optimized output from an integral step-upDC-to-DC converter with the positive high voltage DC optimized outputreferenced to a common ground step-up DC-to-DC converter groundpotential output; resonant inverting and rectifying the positive highvoltage DC optimized output to generate a negative high voltage DCoptimized output from the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter with thenegative high voltage DC optimized output referenced to the commonground step-up DC-to-DC converter ground potential output; anddelivering a positive and negative high voltage DC output powerreferenced to the common ground step-up DC-to-DC converter groundpotential from the positive and negative high voltage DC optimizedoutputs to a centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated currentsource inverter system by a system DC link.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein the step of step-up voltage regulating the DC output of each ofthe plurality of renewable energy collectors further comprisescontrolling a duty cycle of an energy transfer switching device tooperate the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors at amaximum power point for an optimized output.
 14. The method of claim 12wherein the step of resonant inverting and rectifying the positive highvoltage DC optimized output further comprises adjusting a resonantinverting frequency to equalize the positive and negative high voltageDC optimized output power.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprisingthe steps of: virtual immersion monitoring of the utility-size renewableenergy system in a three dimensional visually-oriented virtual realitydisplay environment; and centrally controlling the utility-sizerenewable energy system and the centralized grid synchronized multiphaseregulated current source inverter system in communication with the threedimensional, visually-oriented virtual reality display environment. 16.A renewable energy, utility-size electric power system comprising: ahigh voltage, renewable energy harvesting network comprising: aplurality of strings of renewable energy collectors, each of theplurality of strings of renewable energy collectors having a DC output;at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converter, one or more of the atleast one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters comprising one of aplurality of renewable energy power optimizers and transmitters, each ofthe at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters comprising: anintegral step-up voltage regulator connected to the DC output of atleast one of the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors toboost the DC output of the at least one of the plurality of strings ofrenewable energy collectors to an integral step-up DC-to-DC converterpositive high voltage DC output referenced to an integral step-upDC-to-DC converter ground potential output; a resonant inverter having aresonant inverter input connected to the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter positive high voltage DC output referenced to the integralstep-up DC-to-DC converter ground potential output; a rectified resonantinverter output having an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter negativehigh voltage DC output referenced to the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter ground potential output equal in magnitude and of reversepolarity to the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive highvoltage DC output, the rectified resonant inverter output electricallyisolated from the resonant inverter input; a system DC link comprising apositive, negative and common system DC links, the integral step-upDC-to-DC converter positive high voltage DC output of each of the atleast one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters connected to the positivesystem DC link of the system DC link, the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter negative high voltage DC output of each of the at least oneintegral step-up DC-to-DC converters connected to the negative system DClink of the system DC link; and the integral step-up DC-to-DC converterground potential output of each of the at least one integral step-upDC-to-DC converters connected to the common system DC link of the systemDC link; a processor for: sensing and monitoring the voltage and currentat a string inverter input of each of the at least one integral step-upDC-to-DC converters; controlling the integral step-up voltage regulatorof each of the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters tooperate the plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors at amaximum power point; and controlling the resonant inverter of each oneof the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters to equalize amagnitude of an integral step-up DC-to-DC converter output power at theintegral step-up DC-to-DC converter positive and negative high voltageDC outputs; and a centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulatedcurrent source inverter system having a plurality of grid inverterpackage modules, each of the grid inverter package modules having aninput connected to the system DC link.
 17. The renewable energy,utility-size electric power system of claim 16 wherein the integralstep-up voltage regulator further comprises an energy transfer switchingdevice for alternatively inductively storing a reserve energy ortransferring the reserve energy to a capacitive element connected acrossthe resonant inverter input to maintain the integral step-up DC-to-DCconverter positive high voltage DC output.
 18. The renewable energy,utility-size electric power system of claim 16 further comprising aresonant inverter controller to select a magnitude equalizationcommutation frequency to control the switching of each one of aplurality of inverter switching devices in the resonant inverter of eachof the at least one integral step-up DC-to-DC converters responsive tothe magnitude equalization commutation frequency whereby the magnitudeof the integral step-up DC-to-DC converter output power at the integralstep-up DC-to-DC converter positive and negative high voltage DC outputsare equalized.
 19. The renewable energy, utility-size electric powersystem of claim 16 further comprising: a virtual immersion monitoringsystem and a central control system for monitoring and controlling thehigh voltage, renewable energy harvesting network and the centralizedgrid synchronized multiphase regulated current source inverter system.20. The renewable energy, utility size electric power system of claim 19wherein the virtual immersion monitoring system comprises a virtualimmersion equipment watchdog computer system for collecting a pluralityof high voltage, renewable energy harvesting network data and aplurality of centralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated currentsource inverter system data; visual displaying of the plurality of highvoltage, renewable energy harvesting network data and the plurality ofcentralized grid synchronized multiphase regulated current sourceinverter system data in a three dimensional, visually-oriented virtualreality display environment; and forecasting an electric power outputfrom the high voltage, renewable energy harvesting network for injectioninto a high voltage electrical grid based on available irradiation ofthe plurality of strings of renewable energy collectors.